Esther YueIn South Korea, mountain hiking is a huge part of its local culture. In fact, it’s not uncommon to spot locals casually hiking up a mountain while wearing flip flops! With over 70% of its land covered by mountains, South Korea is perfect for mountain hiking. There’s a mountain for every hiker to scale, whether you’re a beginner or an expert. Need some ideas for where to go mountain hiking in South Korea? Here are some of the best South Korea mountains you can consider visiting on your next hiking trip!
Also read: Suwon, South Korea: A Guide to the Royal City That Nearly Became South Korea’s Capital
Best South Korea mountains for hiking within and near Seoul
1. Bukhansan, Seoul
Difficulty rating: Easy to challenging
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The first South Korea mountain on our list is definitely Bukhansan. This beautiful mountain is a household name in the country. The highest mountain in Seoul, Bukhansan is located in Bukhansan National Park, which is the only national park located in the capital. It also happens to be one of the most accessible mountains in South Korea by public transport. Fun fact: Bukhansan National Park is listed in the Guinness World Records as the most visited national park per unit area!
Bukhansan is full of lovely gorges and streams, and is great for all hikers as there are many hiking trails ranging from easy to challenging. However, if you want to reach Baegundae Peak, the highest peak of Bukhansan, be prepared for a more challenging hiking experience! A popular hiking trail amongst experienced hikers is the Baegundae Hiking Course is the fastest route to Baegundae Peak, and takes about an hour and 30 minutes.
Location: 02700 6-21, Bogungmun-ro 34-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul
Admission fee: None
2. Namsan, Seoul
Difficulty rating: Easy to moderate
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Namsan is another of South Korea’s best-known mountains. This mountain is located in Seoul’s Namsan Park, the largest park in the capital. At the peak of Namsan stands the Namsan Seoul Tower, the iconic symbol of Seoul!
At Namsan, there are plenty of scenic walking trails you can try. Try hiking up from the base of Namsan to Namsan Seoul Tower, and hiking down! A recommended hiking trail is the Namsan Dulle-gil Trail. Along the way, you can enjoy the sights of the Seoul City Wall and Namsan Pine Healing Forest. This trail is not too difficult, and generally takes between two to three hours to complete.
Location: 04628 231, Samil-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
Admission fee: None
3. Ansan, Seoul
Difficulty rating: Easy to moderate
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Interested in going for a relaxing hike with young children or elderly parents? Ansan is the perfect South Korea mountain for you! Located in the lively Seodaemun District, Ansan is one of the most convenient mountains in Seoul to access by public transport.
Try the Ansan Jarak-gil Trail, which is Korea’s very first barrier-free mountain trail with gentle slopes! This walking trail is a long, smooth wooden deck, upon which you can walk comfortably and even push a stroller here. This trail can be completed within three hours.
If you want to get closer to the peak of Ansan, you can try the Green Trail instead. Since Ansan is about 296 metres tall, it isn’t too difficult to reach the summit.
Location: 서울특별시 서대문구 통일로 251 | 251, Tongil-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
Admission fee: None
Also read: The Ultimate Guide to a Family Getaway in South Korea
4. Inwangsan, Seoul
Difficulty rating: Easy to moderate
Image credit: AaronChoi via Canva Pro
Looking for a quick, convenient hike that’ll give you great views? Head to Inwangsan, which is conveniently located near Gyeongbokgung Station. Hiking Inwangsan comes with amazing scenic views of Seoul City and the surrounding mountains of Ansan, Bukhansan, Bugaksan, and Namsan. Fun fact: Inwangsan is suitable for night hiking as it’s open 24 hours.
At Inwangsan, choose from various hiking trails that meander through the beautiful forest and rocks, and along the Seoul City Wall. You can easily reach the summit of Inwangsan within an hour. From the summit, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Seoul! Try spotting Namsan Seoul Tower, Gyeongbokgung Palace, and the Blue House!
Location: 서울특별시 종로구 인왕산로1길 29 | 29, Inwangsan-ro 1-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Admission fee: None
Note: Inwangsan is closed on Mondays.
5. Suraksan, Seoul/Gyeonggi Province
Difficulty rating: Moderate to challenging
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If you’re up for a more challenging hike, try hiking Suraksan! At a height of 640 metres, hiking up Suraksan may seem like a walk in the park, but don’t underestimate the difficulty of doing so. Suraksan has steep rocky terrain, and you might even wish to use trekking poles here. While hiking around this mountain, enjoy the beautiful waterfalls, valleys, and unique rock formations such as Elephant Rock and Helmet Rock. It takes about three hours to hike to the peak of Suraksan starting from Surak Station.
Location: 139-200 Sanggye-dong, Nowon, Seoul
Admission fee: None
Fun fact: Suraksan spreads across Seoul City and other cities in Gyeonggi Province.
6. Gwanaksan, Seoul/Gyeonggi Province
Difficulty rating: Easy to challenging
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Located near Seoul National University, Gwanaksan is a popular mountain hiking spot amongst both beginner and advanced hikers that is also easily accessible via public transport. Get ready to see unique rock formations and beautiful valleys during your hike at this South Korea mountain. Heads up: be prepared to encounter rocky terrain and long flights of steps!
You can enjoy a gorgeous view of Seoul City from the peak, Yeonjudae. Try the hiking route from Gwacheon Station to Yeonjudae if you want an easier hike. Some of the more advanced hiking routes, such as those starting from Sadang Station, are quite steep and even require hikers to use ropes to ascend certain areas of Gwanaksan! Depending on your starting point, you’ll likely take between two to three hours to hike to the summit.
Location: 08826 Daehak-dong, Gwanak-gu, Seoul
Admission fee: None
Also read: 15 Places in Seoul That You Can Visit For Free
Best South Korea mountains for hikes away from Seoul
Beyond Seoul, you’ll find grand mountains that offer gorgeous scenic views and flourishing wildlife! These mountains promise hikes that are generally more challenging, but you’ll still find trails that are manageable for beginner hikers.
7. Hallasan, Jeju Island
Difficulty rating: Moderate to challenging
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With a height of 1,950 metres above sea level, Hallasan is the highest mountain in South Korea. Located in Hallasan National Park on Jeju Island, this mountain is a very popular hiking spot thanks to its spectacular natural scenery that changes beautifully with the seasons. It’s also a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. Hiking at Hallasan is generally considered difficult, but the scenic views will make the effort worth it! Looking for a challenge? Try hiking the rocky Gwaneumsa Trail to the peak of Hallasan! This route takes between 5 to 7 hours to complete (two-way) depending on your fitness level. You’ll see beautiful azalea flower fields and valleys along this route.
Beginner hikers can opt for the Eoseungsaengak Trail, which is the shortest hiking trail at Hallasan. This trail is great for those who are happy to enjoy pretty scenery at Hallasan without reaching the summit.
Location: 2070-61, 1100-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
Admission fee: None
Note: If you intend to reach the summit of Hallasan using the Seongpanak or Gwaneumsa trails, you have to make an advanced reservation online. Moreover, hikers must finish their trails before sunset.
8. Jirisan
Difficulty rating: Moderate to very challenging
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Standing at 1,915 metres above sea level, Jirisan is the second tallest South Korea mountain after Hallasan. Jirisan is located in Jirisan National Park, South Korea’s first established national park which stretches across the three provinces of Gyeongnam, Jeonnam, and Jeonbuk. Jirisan boasts lush valleys and flourishing wildlife, including the Baemsagol Valley and the Asiatic black bear.
Because the hiking trails here are moderately to significantly challenging, Jirisan is an especially great hiking spot for experienced hikers and adventurous, fit travellers. The most challenging trails require hikers to camp overnight at the designated camp shelters.
One of the most popular hiking trails is the traverse course, which will take you to two famous peaks of Jirisan: Nogodan Peak, and Cheonwangbong Peak, Jirisan’s tallest peak. This is a challenging overnight hiking course that can take up to three days, but the scenic views you’ll get to enjoy are magnificent!
Location: Daeseong-ri, Hwagae-myeon, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea
Admission fee: A small fee applies, and the amount depends on your entrance point.
Note: If you intend to reach Nogodan Peak, you need to make an advanced online reservation.
9. Seoraksan, Gangwon Province
Difficulty rating: Moderate to very challenging
Image credit: dyonis | Flickr
This South Korea mountain, Seoraksan, is considered one of the most beautiful mountains in the country. Located in Seoraksan National Park, Seoraksan is home to lush forests, grand valleys, waterfalls, and rare species of flora and fauna. From its highest peak, Daecheongbong Peak, you can enjoy stunning views of Seoraksan National Park, the East Sea, and the sunrise.
There are many hiking trails you can embark on to explore Seoraksan, which are generally moderately to significantly challenging. It is especially popular to hike via the Cheonbul-dong Valley to Seoraksan’s highest peak: Daecheongbong Peak. This is a challenging overnight course that will take between two to three days. Beginner hikers who aren’t planning to reach the summit can opt for more moderate hiking trails that do not require overnight camping, such as the trail leading to the beautiful Daeseung Falls.
Seoraksan is open for visiting all year round, and is especially popular in fall thanks to its beautiful autumn foliage.
Location: 강원도 속초시 설악산로 설악산국립공원 외설악매표소 | Seoraksan-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
Admission fee: None
10. Wolchulsan, South Jeolla Province
Difficulty rating: Moderate to challenging
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The last South Korea mountain on this list is Wolchulsan, which is located in Wolchulsan National Park in South Jeolla Province. Because it’s pretty far from the city, Wolchulsan is more low-key than other mountains like Bukhansan — which makes it perfect for hikers trying to go off the beaten track. Hiking around Wolchulsan, you’ll get to see beautiful valleys, waterfalls, and rocky mountain peaks.
For a rush of adrenaline and (literally) breathtaking mountain views, try crossing the iconic orange-coloured suspension bridge known as the Wolchulsan Cloud Bridge! If you’re not afraid of heights, this will be a fun experience for you! And if you’re up for a thoroughly challenging adventure, you can hike to the summit, Cheonhwangbong Peak. This hike promises steep and rocky terrain, but can be completed within a few hours!
Location: 280-43 Cheonhwangsa-ro, Yeongam-eup, Yeongam-gun, Jeollanam-do, South Korea
Admission fee: None
If you plan to visit South Korea’s national parks, you can use this website to check for updated information on park operating hours and hiking trails. Before setting off on your hike, do check the weather forecast and prepare all the necessary hiking gear. Also, beginner hikers who wish to embark on a challenging hiking trail can consider hiring a professional guide.
Also read: Jeju Island Restaurants: Where & What to Eat in Jeju, South Korea
Feeling inspired for your next mountain hiking adventure? We’re sure at least one South Korea mountain in this article has caught your eye!
Featured image credit: Briac Pollier via Canva Pro
